Of we are always learning, we are always evolving. I hope I shoot a little better every day, everytime I pull that trigger I strive to do it better and better. My breathing, my grip, my stance and all other factors are always getting worked on. I feel like if I get comfortable I've gotten cocky and that's a stupid behavior for any of us. We are never gonna be a perfect shot but we should never stop trying to be just that. Hope all is well for you and your family, my brother in red white and blue. Keep practicing that second amendment for yourself your family and others around you as well no matter how un appreciated and frowned upon it may be in a lot of cases.
That’s how I feel, haven’t been carrying for 10 years just started carrying a year ago but been around guns my whole life. It’s nice to hear peoples opinions on things.
im a old shit at 64....Ive been shooting since 7 years old....father was in WW2 ....he gave me a western auto .22 single shot by 10 years old......love your channel ....ive learned some stuff.....I live for Colt revolvers ( my fav).....and .45's.....keep it up!
Lmfao I just started carrying last year as a young man, and of course I chose a full-size double stack .40 S&W because 'muh stoppin powah' and it's already getting tiring. I've been eyeing up 9mm Shields whenever I'm at the range/store
It's probably best to start with a full size gun anyway. They're more fun to shoot, so you'll do it more often. My full size .40 double stack and 1911's are less snappy than my angry little CSX 9mm. And if you can figure out concealing a full size pistol, something smaller will be a breeze.
Even if this video gets demonetized! These videos are what we need more of! These are the videos that are going to help the gun culture. Keep up the good work!!!!
😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm going through the same dilemma. All my pistols are full size. I'm somewhat comfortable with it, at least I was, but I'm getting older, and things keep getting more of a pain in the ass.
@@DJchargesHard2010 I don't have an issue with mine as long as its in a shoulder holster. The slim profile of it rests against my torso pretty comfortably but I am a smaller framed person and Im always wearing a hoodie or something similar even in dead summer lol
I have tried to give the same lesson to many new gun owners and carriers. You did it better. This is a much needed video lesson. Well done. I would not change a thing.
My first gun was a shield 9 mm.great first gun.did alot of research and watched alot of videos.saw it at palmetto state armory for $250 so I got it.for me it was the best first gun. cheap, reliable,super comfortable.then bought the g2c as a back up gun for $200.those two are great choices for first guns
They don't have to be just for first timers, I carry a Shield 2.0 every day and I've been handling and shooting for 40 years. In my opinion the Shield is a great all purpose pistol that everyone will enjoy. Comfortable to shoot AND carry with a choice of safety/no safety, calibers, sizes, EZ/standard models and you won't empty your wallet to own one. (Or many)
Need atleast a .45 to take down a squatch, if not .357. i like your choices, 👍but I would opt for a .357 j frame or ruger lcr and a bigger .45. I love my ruger p345 but its a fullsize gun
I've tried everything. The sig 365 is the end all be all. For me it's the perfect CCW but easily convertible into a full sized handgun with an extended mag. Grip size is even changeable with the grip module system. (The 365 xl is also a fine choice it's up to preference)
I have a hellcat for the same reason. I like it a titch more than the 365 although the trigger on the sig is better. If you haven't seen the hellcat u sights you really should give them a go.
Been carrying mine for a year. The trigger has broken in and it’s nicer than when I bought it. It is so easy to stage a shot, I even shoot it better than my P320 X Compact, which has much less recoil and has a much lighter trigger.
I've been contemplating getting a 365x for a year now.. last time I went to buy one, the store had an XDM Elite OSP 10mm compact with the Hex.. I bought that instead Lol.
Just carry whatever you are comfortable carrying and something won't leave home without. I'd rather have a .380 in the pocket than a full size duty gun that I occasionally get around to carrying.
You are totally right, I am lucky enough to be able to everyday conceal carry a Glock 21 comfortably (full size double stack 45acp) I am a taller guy. I found it really matters what pants you wear along with the belt. I use inside the belt Kydex holster with pants that have some elasticity and the belt being firm. The only problems I have is when I wear normal blue jeans while driving. I forgot to mention I appendix carry.
I started out w/ a p365. Went up to a Walther PDP 4” compact, and settled on a CZ P01. The DA/SA nature of the CZ gives me the peace of mind of knowing it won’t go off as I press the hammer w/ my thumb as I holster it.
You have created a great video for new gun owners. Well done! But, capacity limitations are moving away. I carry a SIG P365, which as you know is ultra concealable with the flush 10-round magazine, but with a MagGuts magazine conversion it holds 12 rounds in the mag plus 1 in the chamber. 12 + 1 in a tiny package that is smaller than my S&W 642 J-frame. Hard to beat.
@@blackraven8841 Very true. Personally, though, I just don't want the larger 365XL. I'm quite satisfied with the standard 365. I ran several hundred rounds through my Mag Guts to make sure it was reliable before I started carrying it. No issues whatsoever. Their magazine spring design is a game changer.
I remember back in the late 80's and early 90's some of the most common ccw pistols were the AMT .380 backup, Makarov 9x18, See camp .32, Baby Browning's, snub .38s, and FMJ derringers out of Ducktown. TN. We've come a long way since then man
@@General_Eisenhower1945 it's going to depend heavily on the person. I'm 6 ft, 220 lb, so a full frame pistol is easy to make disappear and the weight is negligible. The gun weighs 2.5 lb, and I've lost 70 lb in the last year with probably another 10 or 20 to shed. Someone smaller might not care for them as much, and that's perfectly understandable. As with all things, it's going to come down to personal preference.
@@kuuryotwo5153 very good point. I like the 1911, because it's old school. I wanted to jump into this conversation too, because I come from 6 guns. I got into semi autos, because I'm not confident I can keep up. Shot placement is not an issue with those pistols. What I'm after now is stopping power and firepower in one. Plus some compact.
When I decided I wanted to go the concealed carry route, I realized my beloved 1911A1 wasn't gonna be an ideal choice. So I went to my city's best stocked gunshop to see what was out there. I had a few basic requirements: it had to be small. enough to be concealable, it had to have a good trigger, and it could NOT be DAO. It was also probably gonna be a 9mm. I finally settled on a Ruger SR9c, a nice semi-auto that Ruger seems to have quickly forgotten about, which is too bad. What I Iiked about the SR9c, and where it outshown all others i tried in its price range, was its trigger. It breaks like glass. I discovered, after carrying it for a while, though, was it was just a bit on the large size. I wanted something smaller, more compact. Went back to the store to have a look around. This was before the explosion of compact 9s, so I was looking for something in 380. I found a clean Walther PPK, built under license by S&W, decided it was the one. DA on the first shot, SA for the rest. The kicker for me was its single action trigger. Oh, and how can you go wrong with James Bond's carry piece? That was a few years ago, and I have no regrets, despite all the compact double stack wonder 9s out there now. But chances are, if I were shopping around today, I'd likely go with one of the new compact wonder 9s.
I went the opposite route myself, I've been shooting a GI Model 1911 some I was 13 and got to go target shoot with my PawPaw, when I turned 21 I bought my own GI Model and was my CCW ever since and I'm only 5'9" and 135 lbs LoL I carry appendix IWB and my friends never even knew I was carrying, until I get in my car and stick it to my magnetic holder on the downward slope of the dash towards the floorboard, because it's uncomfortable driving with it. It's hilarious to see the look they give me when I unholster it lmao 🤣. I have carried my GI Model with the standard 8+1 setup, but I've always got two 10 round backups on me, and normally a derringer or small caliber snub in my boot, and usually two different knives LoL. I decided to order myself a Beretta 92X RDO that'll be here in a couple days. I normally don't really enjoy non 1911 handguns unless it's a revolver, because the single action trigger is so crisp with little take up if any, and the reset on them are like artwork perfection. I've convinced my wife to finally take her personal safety in a more serious manner and I got her a Sig P320 ordered she's got small hands so I figured that smaller frame plus having 15 rounds will help, I am going to train her because she's new to firearms and I guess she has finally realized that I can do little to protect her if I'm not there...but I figure the P320 would be something not too powerful to get her interested, she shot my 1911 and didn't like it at all. She was limp wristing it though.
My first was a G26. It's an ok gun, but I always felt like I was trying to hold onto a bar of soap. I now carry an P365X and couldn't be happier. As far as holsters, I'd recommend a Vedder Litetuck. I really like that Vedder moves the bulk of where the metal clip attaches to the kydex down near the bottom of the holster. Having that bulk moved off your waistline really helps keep the holster comfortable when sitting down. They are also made in the USA and have outstanding customer service.
The G26 was really good a dozen years ago, but it’s really been made mostly obsolete by the likes of the g48,g43, p365, hellcat, etc. There might still be a place for a g26 if you already own g19’s, 17’s and 34’s, but the slimmer alternatives just make more sense for carry. And I’m pretty sure g26 sales are way down now too, so the market agrees.
I started carrying when the Shield 2.0 just came out and loved it, it was recommended by my brother who is LE. I bought a Shield Plus PC 4 inch barrel and it is just the best thing I have ever shot on a micro 9 pistol. I just run it much better than a Sig p365, Springfield hellcat or Glock 43x . Anyone today is very lucky to have so many good affordable options. Good video!
Fifty years ago it was a model 36 j frame.38 chiefs special today it’s a air weight j frame .38 special I’ve tried many other’s but this one has always been faithful
My mom has carried a S&W model 60 since the mid 70's, but now she's 82 and has arthritis. She can't pull the trigger in double action and she has trouble even cocking the hammer for a single action shot. I brought her a Glock 43 with a Shield Arms 15 round magazine, she loves it, and even though she can't work the slide it doesn't matter. If she ever needed to use it she's got 15 + 1 in the chamber. I can always reload it for her after she dispatches the bad guy.
I went for a g19 for my first carry gun. Bit a of mistake, although, I’m still glad I have it. I run a 365xl and I’m a big fan of that gun. Spectre version lookin nice too.
@@tikimurtaugh4919 but doesn't it have a longer grip than the 19 since it's slimmer but holds 15 I wouldn't carry it I switched from a sar 9 (same size as a g17) to a PSA dagger a huge difference in size and weight
Started out with a Steyr M9 A2 MF, then realized there are not many comfortable holsters for it, tried a few but wasnt feeling them. The steyr became my bedside gun and i had to make my way over to a S&W shield, which i still carry to this day
Hey bro I’ve been watching since I was 16 and now I’m 18 here in Texas just went to the range today and loved it. The culture, the friendly people, and especially the kick of the pistols and rifles. There is no doubt in my mind that in the coming months I’m going to buy my first firearm using this video as a reference thank you for supporting the noobies like me.
I’m well versed in firearms and I still enjoy watching these introduction to firearms videos , you never know what else you can learn . Big fan of the channel too!!
I'm an olden dude and I've been around guns all my life and had self defense handguns the last 10 or so years. You covered the subject well. My opinion is that the best few pieces of advice you gave is to try several guns in hand to help you decide which gun you want to carry daily and to use whatever style of handgun you're most comfortable carrying. I agree that the .25 caliber semi automatic center fire is a little enemic for self defense and is about equal to the .22 caliber rim fire pistols in energy foot pounds. The .25 is likely a little more dependable and reliable by the virtue of being a center fire round. The .380 is a little more powerful than the .22 and the .25, but the really small .380s aren't pleasant to fire more than a few dozen times when target praacticing, which is very important. I have a .380 and carry it, but would rather fire a 9mm handgun 200 times rather than fire my .380 2 dozen times. The little .380 stings significantly after firing 2 dozen rounds while my small 9mm is tolerable even after firing 200 rounds. I might get laughed at, but I often shoot my Co2 BB pistol 300 to 600 rounds at reasonable self defense distances. The BB gun is a double action trigger pull which has a trigger about equal in feel to my daily carry centre fire self defense pistol. My theory was that much of the same practice actions and procedures I would learn with the BB gun would transfer directly to the center fire pistol and so far that theory worked out to be true. Everything isn't identical, but trigger contriol, sight picture, holding steady while fring and firing quickly at multiple targets is a lot alike. Plus with the BB gun I can get in a weeks worth of practice for very low cost and do it in my back yard with no bothered neighbors. Almost every handgun caliber available has a cartridge that's worthy of self defense use. I decide on my carry ammunition based on ballistics gel penetration and the FBI recommendations. That's highly important for self defense scenarios and is NOT the same for pistol game hunting rounds where it's desired that a projectile for game hunting to go all the way through the hunted game. That's not ideal for many self defense situations II've watched a lot of your videos the last few years. Good work
My M&P Shield 2.0 in .380acp is an absolute joy to shoot, and fun as hell too. The pocket pistols are just too small for .380. Matching the caliber to the pistol size and you can't go wrong.
I'm an old dude also, and have arthritis. Have carried all types of guns in all calibers. Just got a S&W 380 EZ recently and it is the most pleasant shooting handgun in my arsenal. Like it even better than my Sig 365.380. FWIW
I had the same thing happen to me. Tried to fill 2 rolls with 1 g19. Couldn't carry it well and should have just bought a 17 for home defense at the end of the day. I've shot those shields and have been thinking about picking one up. 🤔
I’m petite framed super skinny & average height. I’ve deeply concealed a full sized HK USP .45 V1, Glock 17, Glock 19 & Glock 23. 2 spare full sized magazines: 1 in each pocket with a self-defense knife holstered on my belt line as well. How? It all just depends on your outfit. Which really boils down to a well fitted shirt, great carry belt, greatly designed holster & well fitted pants/shorts to mask the printing & secure the entire fit in place. You can conceal just about anything as long as you have the right tools to your wardrobes. But of course, you have to also feel comfortable; although having a weapon in your waistband isn’t always gonna be just that. As long as you have peace of mind for yourself is what matters to you at the end of the day.
I think with all the info out there, it's important to just stress safety and comfortability. When you're getting your first gun or first carry gun, there is no right or wrong. Just learn the 4 basic rules of gun safety and pick a gun that you're comfortable with, or that you think you'll be comfortable with. And that's really it. You don't have to buy into the concept that some guns are better than others, or that some carry options are better than others. Just do you, and be safe while doing it!
My carry gun is a 9mm S&W M&P Compact and for the 1st year that I had it I could barely hit the side of a barn with it, I think because I could not handle the recoil. With steady practice my groupings are now 100% on the target with an occasional bullseye. I'd like to thank President Obama for inspiring me to become armed to the teeth, thanks bath house Barry!
I absolutely disagree. It is not as simple as picking out what you like. My first pistol purchase was a Beretta 92. I totally love shooting it and I’m much more accurate with it than my Shield. Try carrying and concealing a large weapon compared to the lighter, more concealable smaller weapon. I wish I’d have discovered UA-cam before I decided to buy my weapons.
@@frankedgar6694 u should try a sig p365 xl if your haveing a hard time with the shield. When shooting a pistol 90% is grip and 10percent trigger has been my experience.
I got my first CCW in the year 2000 when I retired from being a police officer in California when I retired from the Police department. In CA when a police officer retires they have to get a CCW, but unlike a civilian CCW which has to be renewed every year, a retired police officers is good every three years. Now in California if you retired prior to 1978 then you are except and do not need a CCW to carry. I no longer live in California and I also believe in if you can legally own a firearm then you should be allowed to carry it concealed. But there are still a lot of liberal states that have crazy strict gun laws. Thanks for another great video.
I had been shooting most of my life. Dad bought me a Nylon 66 when I was 11. I waited to get my concealed carry permit until I saw the writing on the wall that the world was going wonky. I took the class, shot (well) for qualification. Decided on the pistol I wanted to carry (Sig P365) and everything was cool. Got a decent holster and carry system. It was all good. Then I dropped the slide on a full mag and had a round chambered. That was a spooky feeling.
Great video. I think alot of new gun buyers dont understand how the different sizes of guns go. all the different numbers ect. Me being one of those. Your really good at being able to understand about what your talking about. I went with the XPs 45. Love it!
2018 HK VP9SK. LWG F3 trigger, Trijicon XR night sights, & trigger bar was polished by my gun smith she’s been worked. My only gripe is HK not releasing an optic ready slide for previous owners like they did the HK VP9L.
@@anthonyarcher7268 who says it has to be your first? If your being sarcastic which I assume you are I’d rather have a slightly lighter trigger even as a beginner. It would be easier to get used to and master basic fundamentals.
The 365 xl holds 12+1 the regular 365 holds 10, they make an x version which holds the 12+1 but also has the shorter barrel of the regular 365. Also the holosun 507k fits on it out of the box with no plates needed factory sighted in.
Excellent video. I appreciate the effort required to put this together. One point many people don’t mention in these videos or even in most gun stores is the grip. Specifically length, angle and size of grip where it pertains to drawing from concealed. These are CCW pistols after all and they’re carried to be used in a life threatening situation. A pistol can hit all parameters each person decides for themselves but if they can’t get a solid grip when drawing from concealed none of that matters.
Canik TP9SF elite is my ccw similar to glock 19 size but amazing trigger and great shooting gun. Whatever you feel is reliable enough to save your life will work.
My first handgun was a "J" frame 38. Bought it well over 20 years ago used at a pawnshop for $100. 5 shot with a hammer. I had to get my mom to buy it for me, cause I wasn't 21 yet. Southern Oregon, so got to bring her home same day. Still have her to this day. I have several guns, but that one is easy to carry, not heavy, and in all the years I've had her, I've never once needed to point, brandish, or even let anyone know I've got her. I prefer it stays that way. I'm confident, she'll bark if I needed her to, and she ain't barking, without biting. Very unlikely, and I hang out in some very questionable areas.
My "first" CCW is a Kahr CM9. Fantastic little handgun! I originally tried using a Glock 19, but only being 5'6 120lbs that handgun was completely obvious and had to get a new one (the Kahr CM9).
Finally, someone who's not pushing me to get their favorite firearm instead of guiding me unto what is best for me and my needs! Thank you sooo very much for your informative lesson!
Great video to show people that are new to CCW. Great advice on training with a 22lr especially with current ammo prices. I carry a CZ PCR and use a Kadet kit for practice.
My first gun was a Springfield XD. To bulky to carry. I ended up getting the Sig P365X for carry. Great all day carry gun. Now I rotate between the P365X and the P320 Xcomp. The smaller polymer striker fired handguns are more snappy than the larger ones which is why I prefer the 320.
My perspective is that of a reloader. My first was a 380 ACP, and that cartridge is only 3mm shorter than 9mm Luger, but the brass is MUCH thinner and not good for reloading. 9mm brass is heavy and thick. I switched to 9. The 380 cartridge isn't bad, but it's the diameter of a cartridge that affects how many rounds you can carry in a mag (hence the new 30 Super Carry cartridge). 9 and 380 are the same diameter, as are 357, 38 and others. Those numbers are just "brand names" for a particular cartridge. They are all .356" including 9mm. The diameter of a cartridge defines how wide a pistol is. If it is single-stack, the pistol can be slimmer and carry less. If it is double-stack it will likely be wider and carry more. But the cartridge diameter determines that. I like the concept of the new 30 Super Carry, but I'm already invested in 9 for CCW. The 30 Super Carry is a smaller diameter higher velocity round that is almost equal to 9mm in pounds-per-sq inch hitting power. Being smaller diameter is the purpose of the 30 Super Carry, to be able to pack more into a mag without requiring a wider handle/mag well.
It does what it does. I carried a Colt govt model 380 for years. Reloaded for it also. The hardest part was getting a good bullet start on the cartridge.. took a little care in the tip location.. just like...
My first ccw was a Dan Wesson custom 45 1911 carted it around for two days that was the end of that ! Lol then got a Springfield xd 9 on which I still own ! Love it !
Oh no I still have it . Just don’t Cary it . But then again I have many other guns now as well . 😁 I am not a brand guy ,I’m a gun guy I also have Jennings hi points Iver Johnsons Taurus and a slew of others. Just love the sport ! Oh and Eric’s videos !! 😁
I doubt there will come a day I move my 1911 out of my carry rotation. I'm glad you found something you like better though. I actually like the XD series.
Regarding holsters, Red Earth Concealment makes the best holster to date I’ve used personally kydex wise. Same quality as Safariland with real customer service. I’m running the KITO IWB TLR-3 compatible FN 5.7 MK2 holster. DCC Monoblock upgrade and Mod Wing upgrade. Definitely the most comfortable kydex option to date even with a full size that’s threaded barrel ready. Eventually I’ll get the SureFire XSC Hellcat model light for my VP9SK and get a holster for it as well from Red Earth. Red Earth also offers the Safariland compatible adapter set up with drop leg OWB options if that’s more your style. That option is going to be way more expensive obviously which is the main reason I went IWB. For soft holsters I’m a Sticky Holster guy. Hope this helps!
Thank God you made this video a year ago. Just this morning I was wishing that at least one of the youtubers make a video about how to chose a gun for newbie who has never shot a gun before. suddenly this video popped up on my phone screen tonight!your ideas a year ago has saved me this year from spending money blindly and now I have got lots of homework to do to purchase a gun wisely. Thanks again! you are my hero tonight ❤
Either a Glock 19 or one of the flavors of CZ Compact pistols. Can't go wrong with either and both are fully capable of functioning as a CCW or duty gun.
Great video! Researched for months before getting my 1st and still most carried ccw a Smith and Wesson Shield Plus. Not a single regret. Since then I've also picked up a fun METE SFX and a small LCP Max for Summer carry. Practice a lot with the Shield, awful with the Ruger and love shooting the Canik. Just wish they'd come out with a 45 acp.
This kind of info is gold to new shooters not everyone has gun owners in the family to show them what to do like me when i first started youtube helped me learn everything all i had was my dad no other family and he was a convicted felon so if he had a gun i didnt know about it or see them i loved guns but didn't know a whole lot about them
It took me three tries to find my first CCW as follows: 9mm Walther PPS M2 => .22lr Beretta Bobcat 21A => 380 Ruger LCP MAX. The Ruger is the only pistol I own of sufficient caliber that I'll take with me every time I leave home. It works different for everyone. That is what works for me.
Great video. I would consider the core pillars of a CCW choice to be (in no particular order of importance) affordability, concealability, comfort, reliability, lethality, and capacity. Choice of CCW is very personal so of course everyone will vary but I would personally consider a Sig P365XL with some type of self defense ammo a good choice. Plenty of guns manage to tick most if not all of the pillars, while others might not, for example double stack Glocks are famously reliable but might not be the easiest to conceal. Do your research and always, always, always if possible rent or borrow a gun you want to consider buying from a friend or a range before buying one, and above all train with this gun because your life might literally depend on it
I always recommend a revolver for first CCW for people especially those that are not going to practice and be proficient. Semi autos are complicated and the user needs to worry about the many different ways they could cause the gun to jam and many other things like clearing a jam. Ive been teaching that way since 1993 and I have yet to see a civilian gun fight that a reload is necessary, there may be some but they are few and far between.
This is a very good service provided. There is so much information, though, it seems most vids, from Hickok to Iraqveteran really talk a great deal. Easy to get lost. I’d suggest chapters with summation.
Not done with this video yet but will finish today. Wanted to say thank you very much for all the explanations. Wish you would work at my local gun shop. You are absolutely the benchmark for how guys should explain firearms to new folks.
Great video, would like to see more in this series. Maybe comparing carry guns in things like barrel length vs velocity and effect at ranges like 5 yards, 10 yards, 15, yards.
I got my mom a springfield xd9 sub and she struggled to rack it so I bought a leather loop charging handle for about $20 and now she can do it no problem. Worth looking into unless she would rather have a revolver regardless.
Great example of what works for each individual. My wife had shooting problems with j frame 38 in light loads. Picked up 380 EZ and now keeps asking to go $hoot. All about each persons preference. Be safe.
Golly, I still a relatively new gun owner, started about 1.5 years ago around the time everyone else did, at least recently. Picked up a FN509 tactical. Super cool gun, but it was so big! Difficult to carry with what I thought was a good holster. Then started learning about different holster systems and designs and after trying a few different types and a few different pistols, concealing the FN isn't that much more difficult than other smaller guns. Just need to find the proper holster system for you and get used to the feeling of having something on your waist band. That last one, to be honest, I'm still getting used to, but a good holster system definitely helps with comfort. Thanks for the content!
My first CCW was a Taurus G2C 9mm. At 10 yards I had a 7 on middle and 5 around it. The gun felt too light for me, I had a buddy that had a .40 S&W, so I asked him to try it and I got a 3 hits 2 misses, I then got a .45 1911 and got 5 out of 5 on middle. Figure out what works for you
Thank you for taking the time to help people understand fire arms. They are not magic they are machine tools for a specific use. I think it benefits people to see and learn how the gun works internally, and how to breakdown clean and assemble them. Arguably you need a gun in order to do that but great start.
I bought a pa63 in 9mm makarov not long after the video you and chad did with it. That’s been my carry gun for years. I carry it itw, chambered round, safety off because of the stiff double action pull. Single action pull is nice and light.
Consider getting a Ruger PC Carbine instead unless you’re buying the AR to hunt. The Ruger PC is an excellent home defense weapon and much cheaper to go to the range and shoot 100 rounds. And the PC is so much fun to shoot.
If you want a great entry level AR 15 that won't break the bank, go for a ruger 556 or Springfield Saint. Nothing wrong with the smith and Wesson, but what I have found is that many people who get the smith and Wesson end up wanting to upgrade it a bunch. So you might as well spend a couple hundred extra (if possible for your budget) and get something more ready to go out of the box.
I've been in to guns since I was a kid, was raised around them my whole life, but it is nice to get your take on things like this. My first carry gun was a Makarov, then a star BM, and after that I went down a rabbit hole of different carry pieces including striker fired, I thought I was so cool when I bought my first Glock haha. Great video as always Eric, look forward to the next video.
My FIRST CCW? Literally the only pistol I had at the time when I was 26. A sig 1911 nitron rail with a TLR1HL. I made the kydex holster myself. Got the hardware from the same vendor the holster companies get the material from. Still have it! My current carry is a G19 with an RMR and a light and a holster from north coast tactical though, much better option. Every once in a while I’ll grab the 1911 if it’s cold and I have a coat or sweater that can hide the print
“CCW”?! You mean carrying from the bedroom to the kitchen to the bathroom? LOL. In New Jersey, that’s the extent of CCW. God forbid you leave the house with a piece. 😱
If it was my first gun, I would want a da/sa 380 or something with a safety. The safety is so I can develop confidence to carry. The DA/SA is so I can figure out what I want from my pistol. ...or a CSX. You know what? Just give me a CSX.
I bought a small M&Pshield 9mm for CCW, active but big belly not easy for conceal still, Excellent gun, love it, thin, but snappy. My wife's Sig-p238 is the ultimate pocket rocket, small, cell pouch carry, in pocket wouldn't know it, smoothest pistol we have.. Sig-p238 And Funnest. High Quality..!
My first handgun was a Ruger new model Blackhawk in 357 mag and that was over 40 years ago I have used a lot of other guns since then , my current carry gun is a 1911 in 45acp
For me, untrained and new to guns, a 38 special seems best for my purposes. 5 or 6 rounds is twice what i need to make loud bangs and run away. No need to reload, as I'd be retreating further after each shot i take. Plus guns with a slide seem to have more variables and thus more chances for error or misfires, which, IMO, is the main thing an inexperienced and untrained person should be avoiding when buying their first gun.
@@cironicholas526 the price of some of the Smith & Wesson revolvers can be a little surprising, I recommend looking at the Taurus 605. It's half the price and built like a tank.
A correction to what Eric said striker fired guns first came out in the mid 1800s and have been in production since. For example the P08 Luger is a striker fired pistol that came out in 1908. Striker fired is not a newer technology and just because something is striker fired it does not mean that it is not double or single action. In fact you would be pretty hard pressed to find a pistol that is not double or single action regardless of whether or not it is striker fired. What is a newer technology is pistols with a polymer frame. The first of which was the double action only striker fired H&K VP70 which came out in 1970. However I will state that despite only having maybe two features that were innovative the advertising and the takedown method Glock made polymer frame striker fired pistols popular after they came out in 1983.
my first CCW was a ruger LCR .38 spl. I loved that it was super reliable, lightweight but still enough heft to solidly handle it and very compact - i would almost forget I had it sometimes when I was carrying it IWB. Moved to a Colt snub after a few years because as much as I like the ruger LCR, it was very difficult to reliably get a decent grouping with it at anything beyond 10 yards and I realized that in the heat of the moment if I've got adrenaline pumping and no time to think , it'd be too easy for me to fire off all five rounds and not hit a thing, whereas I could be near surgical with the Colt at 25 yards.
Love the channel and great video. I'm not new to guns I own 2 pistols and 1 shotgun, however I'm glad I watched this video because I have a friend of mine who is new to the gun world and he has asked me to train him on the proper handling of firearms because he knows I'm an experienced gun owner and a Army veteran. I will encourage him to watch this video first because I believe he can learn quite a lot that will help him to make an informed/educated decision on purchasing a handgun if he chooses to do so. 👍👍
Even though I've been carrying a gun for 10 years I enjoy these types of videos. Keep it up man.
Of we are always learning, we are always evolving. I hope I shoot a little better every day, everytime I pull that trigger I strive to do it better and better. My breathing, my grip, my stance and all other factors are always getting worked on. I feel like if I get comfortable I've gotten cocky and that's a stupid behavior for any of us. We are never gonna be a perfect shot but we should never stop trying to be just that. Hope all is well for you and your family, my brother in red white and blue. Keep practicing that second amendment for yourself your family and others around you as well no matter how un appreciated and frowned upon it may be in a lot of cases.
Same (not 10 years but years)
Can't help it still enjoy the content 😜
It’s nice to still check these out cause it might show you some new guns that weren’t out 10 years ago
That’s how I feel, haven’t been carrying for 10 years just started carrying a year ago but been around guns my whole life. It’s nice to hear peoples opinions on things.
im a old shit at 64....Ive been shooting since 7 years old....father was in WW2 ....he gave me a western auto .22 single shot by 10 years old......love your channel ....ive learned some stuff.....I live for Colt revolvers ( my fav).....and .45's.....keep it up!
I remember my first CCW, it was a full size double stack .40 S&W that felt like lugging around a brick and shot like one too
me too
Lmfao I just started carrying last year as a young man, and of course I chose a full-size double stack .40 S&W because 'muh stoppin powah' and it's already getting tiring. I've been eyeing up 9mm Shields whenever I'm at the range/store
It's probably best to start with a full size gun anyway. They're more fun to shoot, so you'll do it more often. My full size .40 double stack and 1911's are less snappy than my angry little CSX 9mm. And if you can figure out concealing a full size pistol, something smaller will be a breeze.
@@therielab9564 mine was the same
My first CCW Glock 43X
Even if this video gets demonetized! These videos are what we need more of! These are the videos that are going to help the gun culture. Keep up the good work!!!!
Why would youtube demonetise this?
@@Berto-1117 Because they're literal fascists.
@@Berto-1117 UA-cam doesn't like when you rack or clear on video. Strange
UA-cam just doesn’t like firearms altogether.
My first CCW was a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag and I wish I was joking lol I’m an idiot
Mine was full size 1911..... not the best guns to conceal 🤣
I still have the ruger super Blackhawk 44mag with a 7.5 inch barrel lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂 I'm going through the same dilemma. All my pistols are full size. I'm somewhat comfortable with it, at least I was, but I'm getting older, and things keep getting more of a pain in the ass.
Lmfao
@@DJchargesHard2010 I don't have an issue with mine as long as its in a shoulder holster. The slim profile of it rests against my torso pretty comfortably but I am a smaller framed person and Im always wearing a hoodie or something similar even in dead summer lol
I miss the good ol days with you and Barry at moss. Good times.
I have tried to give the same lesson to many new gun owners and carriers. You did it better. This is a much needed video lesson. Well done. I would not change a thing.
.50ae is my conceal carry for years. just in case you need to disable small vehicles.
Fact, just got a kydex holster made for my D.E.
My first gun was a shield 9 mm.great first gun.did alot of research and watched alot of videos.saw it at palmetto state armory for $250 so I got it.for me it was the best first gun. cheap, reliable,super comfortable.then bought the g2c as a back up gun for $200.those two are great choices for first guns
Awesome price. I bought mine for 490 the year it came out. I still carry it to this day
I got a g2c for my first handgun. I just ordered a glock 43x. Can't wait. They are both great!
@@meltingface2558 Sandstorm Precision sells an extended beavertail, or a Glock-to-1911 angle grip fix. I get slide bite, so I got the beavertail .
They don't have to be just for first timers, I carry a Shield 2.0 every day and I've been handling and shooting for 40 years. In my opinion the Shield is a great all purpose pistol that everyone will enjoy. Comfortable to shoot AND carry with a choice of safety/no safety, calibers, sizes, EZ/standard models and you won't empty your wallet to own one. (Or many)
Started with a Ruger SP101 and moved to a S&W Shield 45. Been carrying the Shield going on 5 years now
Need atleast a .45 to take down a squatch, if not .357. i like your choices, 👍but I would opt for a .357 j frame or ruger lcr and a bigger .45. I love my ruger p345 but its a fullsize gun
Great gun! I carry it also!🇺🇸🌵🎼🕊🙏
I've tried everything. The sig 365 is the end all be all. For me it's the perfect CCW but easily convertible into a full sized handgun with an extended mag. Grip size is even changeable with the grip module system. (The 365 xl is also a fine choice it's up to preference)
Agree... P365 is the best
I have a hellcat for the same reason. I like it a titch more than the 365 although the trigger on the sig is better. If you haven't seen the hellcat u sights you really should give them a go.
Been carrying mine for a year. The trigger has broken in and it’s nicer than when I bought it. It is so easy to stage a shot, I even shoot it better than my P320 X Compact, which has much less recoil and has a much lighter trigger.
I've been contemplating getting a 365x for a year now.. last time I went to buy one, the store had an XDM Elite OSP 10mm compact with the Hex.. I bought that instead Lol.
@@Sigrafix Well, you're ready for bears
Just carry whatever you are comfortable carrying and something won't leave home without. I'd rather have a .380 in the pocket than a full size duty gun that I occasionally get around to carrying.
Exactly!
You are totally right, I am lucky enough to be able to everyday conceal carry a Glock 21 comfortably (full size double stack 45acp) I am a taller guy. I found it really matters what pants you wear along with the belt. I use inside the belt Kydex holster with pants that have some elasticity and the belt being firm. The only problems I have is when I wear normal blue jeans while driving. I forgot to mention I appendix carry.
I think the point of this video is for people who have zero idea "what they're comfortable carrying" hence "first"
@@beargillium2369 you’re not understanding. Many ranges have rental counters, go find one and use it. Go from there
@@jonasbeach9802 i appendix carry as well and the 21 is awsome.i use to appendix carry a government 1911....ouch
I started out w/ a p365. Went up to a Walther PDP 4” compact, and settled on a CZ P01. The DA/SA nature of the CZ gives me the peace of mind of knowing it won’t go off as I press the hammer w/ my thumb as I holster it.
You have created a great video for new gun owners. Well done! But, capacity limitations are moving away. I carry a SIG P365, which as you know is ultra concealable with the flush 10-round magazine, but with a MagGuts magazine conversion it holds 12 rounds in the mag plus 1 in the chamber. 12 + 1 in a tiny package that is smaller than my S&W 642 J-frame. Hard to beat.
Or the p365 XL with a 15rd magazine for the be all end all.
@@blackraven8841 Very true. Personally, though, I just don't want the larger 365XL. I'm quite satisfied with the standard 365. I ran several hundred rounds through my Mag Guts to make sure it was reliable before I started carrying it. No issues whatsoever. Their magazine spring design is a game changer.
Until something actually goes down and u can’t find the handle on it because it’s so fkn small .
I remember back in the late 80's and early 90's some of the most common ccw pistols were the AMT .380 backup, Makarov 9x18, See camp .32, Baby Browning's, snub .38s, and FMJ derringers out of Ducktown. TN. We've come a long way since then man
The infamous baby browning!
Mine was the M-1911A1 Gov't model .45 ACP. Yes, the 5" barrel. I still have said pistol.
@@travisdeeznuts6502 same, but as much as I love it I cant recommend it as a serious concealed carry to most
@@General_Eisenhower1945 it's going to depend heavily on the person. I'm 6 ft, 220 lb, so a full frame pistol is easy to make disappear and the weight is negligible. The gun weighs 2.5 lb, and I've lost 70 lb in the last year with probably another 10 or 20 to shed.
Someone smaller might not care for them as much, and that's perfectly understandable. As with all things, it's going to come down to personal preference.
@@kuuryotwo5153 very good point. I like the 1911, because it's old school. I wanted to jump into this conversation too, because I come from 6 guns. I got into semi autos, because I'm not confident I can keep up. Shot placement is not an issue with those pistols. What I'm after now is stopping power and firepower in one. Plus some compact.
When I decided I wanted to go the concealed carry route, I realized my beloved 1911A1 wasn't gonna be an ideal choice. So I went to my city's best stocked gunshop to see what was out there. I had a few basic requirements: it had to be small. enough to be concealable, it had to have a good trigger, and it could NOT be DAO. It was also probably gonna be a 9mm. I finally settled on a Ruger SR9c, a nice semi-auto that Ruger seems to have quickly forgotten about, which is too bad. What I Iiked about the SR9c, and where it outshown all others i tried in its price range, was its trigger. It breaks like glass.
I discovered, after carrying it for a while, though, was it was just a bit on the large size. I wanted something smaller, more compact. Went back to the store to have a look around. This was before the explosion of compact 9s, so I was looking for something in 380. I found a clean Walther PPK, built under license by S&W, decided it was the one. DA on the first shot, SA for the rest. The kicker for me was its single action trigger. Oh, and how can you go wrong with James Bond's carry piece?
That was a few years ago, and I have no regrets, despite all the compact double stack wonder 9s out there now. But chances are, if I were shopping around today, I'd likely go with one of the new compact wonder 9s.
I went the opposite route myself, I've been shooting a GI Model 1911 some I was 13 and got to go target shoot with my PawPaw, when I turned 21 I bought my own GI Model and was my CCW ever since and I'm only 5'9" and 135 lbs LoL I carry appendix IWB and my friends never even knew I was carrying, until I get in my car and stick it to my magnetic holder on the downward slope of the dash towards the floorboard, because it's uncomfortable driving with it. It's hilarious to see the look they give me when I unholster it lmao 🤣. I have carried my GI Model with the standard 8+1 setup, but I've always got two 10 round backups on me, and normally a derringer or small caliber snub in my boot, and usually two different knives LoL. I decided to order myself a Beretta 92X RDO that'll be here in a couple days. I normally don't really enjoy non 1911 handguns unless it's a revolver, because the single action trigger is so crisp with little take up if any, and the reset on them are like artwork perfection. I've convinced my wife to finally take her personal safety in a more serious manner and I got her a Sig P320 ordered she's got small hands so I figured that smaller frame plus having 15 rounds will help, I am going to train her because she's new to firearms and I guess she has finally realized that I can do little to protect her if I'm not there...but I figure the P320 would be something not too powerful to get her interested, she shot my 1911 and didn't like it at all. She was limp wristing it though.
I carry my Taurus G3c. It is a great shooter and feels great in my hand. Just because it is inexpensive doesn't mean it is cheap quality.
I’ve shot one and I really didn’t like the recoil (although I am smaller framed) but I see why bigger statchured people really like it
That was my first gun!
I inherited a PT92F that is full frame, but damn I like it
My taurus tx22 is one of my favorite range guns. Taurus makes good stuff. I want to get one of the revolvers they have eventually.
@Tim Black I want a chrome pt92, just looks so cool Lol.
My first was a G26. It's an ok gun, but I always felt like I was trying to hold onto a bar of soap. I now carry an P365X and couldn't be happier. As far as holsters, I'd recommend a Vedder Litetuck. I really like that Vedder moves the bulk of where the metal clip attaches to the kydex down near the bottom of the holster. Having that bulk moved off your waistline really helps keep the holster comfortable when sitting down. They are also made in the USA and have outstanding customer service.
The G26 was really good a dozen years ago, but it’s really been made mostly obsolete by the likes of the g48,g43, p365, hellcat, etc.
There might still be a place for a g26 if you already own g19’s, 17’s and 34’s, but the slimmer alternatives just make more sense for carry. And I’m pretty sure g26 sales are way down now too, so the market agrees.
Use Vedder for almost all my holster needs👍
Waiting on a light tuck for my P10s right now, can’t wait!
"like holding a bar of soap." Couldn't agree more. I hated the g26. It is outdated and history! Who the hell buys g26 anymore? lol
I am looking to buy one sell me yours
My first CCW was a Shield single stack .9MM. Then I bought an XD, traded it for a G19, still have the 19, but now carry a Shield Plus
I started carrying when the Shield 2.0 just came out and loved it, it was recommended by my brother who is LE.
I bought a Shield Plus PC 4 inch barrel and it is just the best thing I have ever shot on a micro 9 pistol.
I just run it much better than a Sig p365, Springfield hellcat or Glock 43x .
Anyone today is very lucky to have so many good affordable options. Good video!
Shield + is awesome
Shield + PC is BOSS!!!!! 💪
@@michaelsweaney3890 I have the PC and it's a GAMECHANGER!
Fifty years ago it was a model 36 j frame.38 chiefs special today it’s a air weight j frame .38 special I’ve tried many other’s but this one has always been faithful
I have the same exact hat. Fender! Bought in kentucky. Still wear it today after 4 years!
My mom has carried a S&W model 60 since the mid 70's, but now she's 82 and has arthritis. She can't pull the trigger in double action and she has trouble even cocking the hammer for a single action shot. I brought her a Glock 43 with a Shield Arms 15 round magazine, she loves it, and even though she can't work the slide it doesn't matter. If she ever needed to use it she's got 15 + 1 in the chamber. I can always reload it for her after she dispatches the bad guy.
I went for a g19 for my first carry gun. Bit a of mistake, although, I’m still glad I have it. I run a 365xl and I’m a big fan of that gun. Spectre version lookin nice too.
Amen brother man! Can’t go wrong with 365. Hopefully all these new owners get their training so they don’t shoot their toes off with it
@@mlfman amen to that I've had a scary situation one time with new gun owners
You should try a glock 48 with the shield 15 rd mags. It's a slim line 19 with the same capacity
@@tikimurtaugh4919 but doesn't it have a longer grip than the 19 since it's slimmer but holds 15 I wouldn't carry it I switched from a sar 9 (same size as a g17) to a PSA dagger a huge difference in size and weight
Started out with a Steyr M9 A2 MF, then realized there are not many comfortable holsters for it, tried a few but wasnt feeling them. The steyr became my bedside gun and i had to make my way over to a S&W shield, which i still carry to this day
Hey bro I’ve been watching since I was 16 and now I’m 18 here in Texas just went to the range today and loved it. The culture, the friendly people, and especially the kick of the pistols and rifles. There is no doubt in my mind that in the coming months I’m going to buy my first firearm using this video as a reference thank you for supporting the noobies like me.
I’m well versed in firearms and I still enjoy watching these introduction to firearms videos , you never know what else you can learn . Big fan of the channel too!!
I'm an olden dude and I've been around guns all my life and had self defense handguns the last 10 or so years. You covered the subject well. My opinion is that the best few pieces of advice you gave is to try several guns in hand to help you decide which gun you want to carry daily and to use whatever style of handgun you're most comfortable carrying.
I agree that the .25 caliber semi automatic center fire is a little enemic for self defense and is about equal to the .22 caliber rim fire pistols in energy foot pounds. The .25 is likely a little more dependable and reliable by the virtue of being a center fire round. The .380 is a little more powerful than the .22 and the .25, but the really small .380s aren't pleasant to fire more than a few dozen times when target praacticing, which is very important. I have a .380 and carry it, but would rather fire a 9mm handgun 200 times rather than fire my .380 2 dozen times. The little .380 stings significantly after firing 2 dozen rounds while my small 9mm is tolerable even after firing 200 rounds.
I might get laughed at, but I often shoot my Co2 BB pistol 300 to 600 rounds at reasonable self defense distances. The BB gun is a double action trigger pull which has a trigger about equal in feel to my daily carry centre fire self defense pistol. My theory was that much of the same practice actions and procedures I would learn with the BB gun would transfer directly to the center fire pistol and so far that theory worked out to be true. Everything isn't identical, but trigger contriol, sight picture, holding steady while fring and firing quickly at multiple targets is a lot alike. Plus with the BB gun I can get in a weeks worth of practice for very low cost and do it in my back yard with no bothered neighbors.
Almost every handgun caliber available has a cartridge that's worthy of self defense use. I decide on my carry ammunition based on ballistics gel penetration and the FBI recommendations. That's highly important for self defense scenarios and is NOT the same for pistol game hunting rounds where it's desired that a projectile for game hunting to go all the way through the hunted game. That's not ideal for many self defense situations
II've watched a lot of your videos the last few years. Good work
A lot of us have learned to shoot by shooting a BB gun, so you don't sound silly, at all.
My M&P Shield 2.0 in .380acp is an absolute joy to shoot, and fun as hell too. The pocket pistols are just too small for .380. Matching the caliber to the pistol size and you can't go wrong.
I'm an old dude also, and have arthritis. Have carried all types of guns in all calibers. Just got a S&W 380 EZ recently and it is the most pleasant shooting handgun in my arsenal. Like it even better than my Sig 365.380. FWIW
@@sgtjoefriday2638 It's worth a lot that you have a carry piece you're comfortable with. Thank you for the information.
I went with a bersa .380, it was affordable, compact and reminiscent of 007’s walther.
Those pistols are awesome man. I love mine.
I want one, esp the double stack one.
I agree, they are good guns. I have a Bersa and a Walther and prefer the bersa.
My first was a glock 19. Bad choice. I'm short skinny and have small hands so I couldn't conceal it well, then I got the M&P shield 9mm. Perfect.
I had the same thing happen to me. Tried to fill 2 rolls with 1 g19. Couldn't carry it well and should have just bought a 17 for home defense at the end of the day. I've shot those shields and have been thinking about picking one up. 🤔
I’m petite framed super skinny & average height. I’ve deeply concealed a full sized HK USP .45 V1, Glock 17, Glock 19 & Glock 23. 2 spare full sized magazines: 1 in each pocket with a self-defense knife holstered on my belt line as well. How? It all just depends on your outfit. Which really boils down to a well fitted shirt, great carry belt, greatly designed holster & well fitted pants/shorts to mask the printing & secure the entire fit in place. You can conceal just about anything as long as you have the right tools to your wardrobes. But of course, you have to also feel comfortable; although having a weapon in your waistband isn’t always gonna be just that. As long as you have peace of mind for yourself is what matters to you at the end of the day.
I think with all the info out there, it's important to just stress safety and comfortability. When you're getting your first gun or first carry gun, there is no right or wrong. Just learn the 4 basic rules of gun safety and pick a gun that you're comfortable with, or that you think you'll be comfortable with. And that's really it. You don't have to buy into the concept that some guns are better than others, or that some carry options are better than others. Just do you, and be safe while doing it!
@DV8 ***
I 100% agree I know a guy who IWB's a 6 inch taurus 608. Yes it's his first gun. Yes he picked that gun. And yes its a horrible idea.
My carry gun is a 9mm S&W M&P Compact and for the 1st year that I had it I could barely hit the side of a barn with it, I think because I could not handle the recoil. With steady practice my groupings are now 100% on the target with an occasional bullseye. I'd like to thank President Obama for inspiring me to become armed to the teeth, thanks bath house Barry!
@@Random-rt5ec Thanks, I’m encouraged, I’m still working on hitting the side of a barn 🤣
Trying again tomorrow.
I absolutely disagree. It is not as simple as picking out what you like. My first pistol purchase was a Beretta 92. I totally love shooting it and I’m much more accurate with it than my Shield. Try carrying and concealing a large weapon compared to the lighter, more concealable smaller weapon. I wish I’d have discovered UA-cam before I decided to buy my weapons.
@@frankedgar6694 u should try a sig p365 xl if your haveing a hard time with the shield. When shooting a pistol 90% is grip and 10percent trigger has been my experience.
I got my first CCW in the year 2000 when I retired from being a police officer in California when I retired from the Police department. In CA when a police officer retires they have to get a CCW, but unlike a civilian CCW which has to be renewed every year, a retired police officers is good every three years. Now in California if you retired prior to 1978 then you are except and do not need a CCW to carry. I no longer live in California and I also believe in if you can legally own a firearm then you should be allowed to carry it concealed. But there are still a lot of liberal states that have crazy strict gun laws. Thanks for another great video.
I had been shooting most of my life. Dad bought me a Nylon 66 when I was 11. I waited to get my concealed carry permit until I saw the writing on the wall that the world was going wonky. I took the class, shot (well) for qualification. Decided on the pistol I wanted to carry (Sig P365) and everything was cool. Got a decent holster and carry system. It was all good. Then I dropped the slide on a full mag and had a round chambered. That was a spooky feeling.
Great video. I think alot of new gun buyers dont understand how the different sizes of guns go. all the different numbers ect. Me being one of those. Your really good at being able to understand about what your talking about. I went with the XPs 45. Love it!
Personal plan the best gun is the one in my hand. I carry a hipoint 9mm with a wolf holster
This made me smile. I've been carrying for some time now and this is great 101 advice and practical considerations for choosing a firearm.
2018 HK VP9SK. LWG F3 trigger, Trijicon XR night sights, & trigger bar was polished by my gun smith she’s been worked. My only gripe is HK not releasing an optic ready slide for previous owners like they did the HK VP9L.
@@anthonyarcher7268 who says it has to be your first? If your being sarcastic which I assume you are I’d rather have a slightly lighter trigger even as a beginner. It would be easier to get used to and master basic fundamentals.
@@gnomereviews every stock hk pistol I've ever shot had a rather heavy trigger, especially the vp9. There good triggers just heavier than I'm used to.
The 365 xl holds 12+1 the regular 365 holds 10, they make an x version which holds the 12+1 but also has the shorter barrel of the regular 365. Also the holosun 507k fits on it out of the box with no plates needed factory sighted in.
9:50 - 1st Gun - S&W J-Frame .38 Revolver 5-shot (For experienced)
12:10 - 2nd Gun - S&W Revolver 67-5 (For experienced)
13:30 - 3rd Gun - S&W 1911SC
19:05 - 4th Gun - CZ SP01 Phantom
24:14 - 5th Gun - Single Stack .25
Excellent video. I appreciate the effort required to put this together.
One point many people don’t mention in these videos or even in most gun stores is the grip. Specifically length, angle and size of grip where it pertains to drawing from concealed. These are CCW pistols after all and they’re carried to be used in a life threatening situation.
A pistol can hit all parameters each person decides for themselves but if they can’t get a solid grip when drawing from concealed none of that matters.
Canik TP9SF elite is my ccw similar to glock 19 size but amazing trigger and great shooting gun. Whatever you feel is reliable enough to save your life will work.
My first handgun was a "J" frame 38. Bought it well over 20 years ago used at a pawnshop for $100. 5 shot with a hammer. I had to get my mom to buy it for me, cause I wasn't 21 yet. Southern Oregon, so got to bring her home same day. Still have her to this day. I have several guns, but that one is easy to carry, not heavy, and in all the years I've had her, I've never once needed to point, brandish, or even let anyone know I've got her. I prefer it stays that way. I'm confident, she'll bark if I needed her to, and she ain't barking, without biting.
Very unlikely, and I hang out in some very questionable areas.
My "first" CCW is a Kahr CM9. Fantastic little handgun! I originally tried using a Glock 19, but only being 5'6 120lbs that handgun was completely obvious and had to get a new one (the Kahr CM9).
My first was a keltec 380. The 2nd was the khar cm9. I still carry it with a spare mag to this day.
Finally, someone who's not pushing me to get their favorite firearm instead of guiding me unto what is best for me and my needs! Thank you sooo very much for your informative lesson!
Shield was mine... but also take a look at ruger sr9c.. great bang for your buck
Great video to show people that are new to CCW.
Great advice on training with a 22lr especially with current ammo prices.
I carry a CZ PCR and use a Kadet kit for practice.
Mine was a 357 snub. But I recommend the Canik SC. $400 or less and sig 365, m&p shield plus are the best imo
I keep waiting for Canik to make a .45
@@randomgamer-st1ie I'm surprised they haven't yet. I think the Glock 21s (gen 5s) are supposed to come out 2024....so maybe they will release then 🤔
My first gun was a Springfield XD. To bulky to carry. I ended up getting the Sig P365X for carry. Great all day carry gun. Now I rotate between the P365X and the P320 Xcomp. The smaller polymer striker fired handguns are more snappy than the larger ones which is why I prefer the 320.
My perspective is that of a reloader. My first was a 380 ACP, and that cartridge is only 3mm shorter than 9mm Luger, but the brass is MUCH thinner and not good for reloading. 9mm brass is heavy and thick. I switched to 9. The 380 cartridge isn't bad, but it's the diameter of a cartridge that affects how many rounds you can carry in a mag (hence the new 30 Super Carry cartridge). 9 and 380 are the same diameter, as are 357, 38 and others. Those numbers are just "brand names" for a particular cartridge. They are all .356" including 9mm.
The diameter of a cartridge defines how wide a pistol is. If it is single-stack, the pistol can be slimmer and carry less. If it is double-stack it will likely be wider and carry more. But the cartridge diameter determines that. I like the concept of the new 30 Super Carry, but I'm already invested in 9 for CCW. The 30 Super Carry is a smaller diameter higher velocity round that is almost equal to 9mm in pounds-per-sq inch hitting power. Being smaller diameter is the purpose of the 30 Super Carry, to be able to pack more into a mag without requiring a wider handle/mag well.
I'd look at one myself . S&W chambered the 337 mag in the J-frame , nice kit gun .
It does what it does. I carried a Colt govt model 380 for years. Reloaded for it also. The hardest part was getting a good bullet start on the cartridge.. took a little care in the tip location.. just like...
I have been carrying a glock 36 or a beretta 92fs for the last 10 years. Love them both.
I loved to carry my s/w model 39. Was so perfect for my needs, but once I saw spots of rust, I had to retire it from my carry options.
That's why I purchased a S&W Model 659 (Same design in stainless steel and 14-round mag).
The best part that I love about the gun community is how open and supportive we all are even with so many new owners.
My first ccw was a Dan Wesson custom 45 1911 carted it around for two days that was the end of that ! Lol then got a Springfield xd 9 on which I still own ! Love it !
damm your lucky
Dang mine was a $25 Jennings .22 from a pawn shop! You had a heavy start for packing.
Man you really downgraded
Oh no I still have it . Just don’t Cary it . But then again I have many other guns now as well . 😁 I am not a brand guy ,I’m a gun guy I also have Jennings hi points Iver Johnsons Taurus and a slew of others. Just love the sport ! Oh and Eric’s videos !! 😁
I doubt there will come a day I move my 1911 out of my carry rotation. I'm glad you found something you like better though. I actually like the XD series.
Recently got my first firearm. Shadow Systems Cr920. I love it. I keep it on me 24/7.
Regarding holsters, Red Earth Concealment makes the best holster to date I’ve used personally kydex wise. Same quality as Safariland with real customer service. I’m running the KITO IWB TLR-3 compatible FN 5.7 MK2 holster. DCC Monoblock upgrade and Mod Wing upgrade. Definitely the most comfortable kydex option to date even with a full size that’s threaded barrel ready. Eventually I’ll get the SureFire XSC Hellcat model light for my VP9SK and get a holster for it as well from Red Earth. Red Earth also offers the Safariland compatible adapter set up with drop leg OWB options if that’s more your style. That option is going to be way more expensive obviously which is the main reason I went IWB. For soft holsters I’m a Sticky Holster guy. Hope this helps!
Gerber Holsters is extremely underrated. Can't go wrong with Black Rhino Concealment, either!
Thank God you made this video a year ago. Just this morning I was wishing that at least one of the youtubers make a video about how to chose a gun for newbie who has never shot a gun before. suddenly this video popped up on my phone screen tonight!your ideas a year ago has saved me this year from spending money blindly and now I have got lots of homework to do to purchase a gun wisely. Thanks again! you are my hero tonight ❤
Either a Glock 19 or one of the flavors of CZ Compact pistols. Can't go wrong with either and both are fully capable of functioning as a CCW or duty gun.
my dad swore cz so they must be good
Big enough to fight with, small enough to carry.
My first CCW was my first gun I ever bought. It was a 9mm M&P9 variant meant for law enforcement.
Great video! Researched for months before getting my 1st and still most carried ccw a Smith and Wesson Shield Plus. Not a single regret. Since then I've also picked up a fun METE SFX and a small LCP Max for Summer carry. Practice a lot with the Shield, awful with the Ruger and love shooting the Canik. Just wish they'd come out with a 45 acp.
This kind of info is gold to new shooters not everyone has gun owners in the family to show them what to do like me when i first started youtube helped me learn everything all i had was my dad no other family and he was a convicted felon so if he had a gun i didnt know about it or see them i loved guns but didn't know a whole lot about them
To be clear. The P365 capacities you quote, Eric are for the extended magazines. The flush capacity for the 365 XL is 12+1 and the 365 is 10+1.
Kinda like saying the G19 has a capacity of 33 rounds.
My favorite now and likely ongoing are my Kahrs. Slim, accurate, reliable and a fabulous D/A only trigger !
My first was a G20. Because when I learned that I could get my CCW in CA, that's what I owned.
It took me three tries to find my first CCW as follows: 9mm Walther PPS M2 => .22lr Beretta Bobcat 21A => 380 Ruger LCP MAX. The Ruger is the only pistol I own of sufficient caliber that I'll take with me every time I leave home. It works different for everyone. That is what works for me.
Great video. I would consider the core pillars of a CCW choice to be (in no particular order of importance) affordability, concealability, comfort, reliability, lethality, and capacity. Choice of CCW is very personal so of course everyone will vary but I would personally consider a Sig P365XL with some type of self defense ammo a good choice. Plenty of guns manage to tick most if not all of the pillars, while others might not, for example double stack Glocks are famously reliable but might not be the easiest to conceal. Do your research and always, always, always if possible rent or borrow a gun you want to consider buying from a friend or a range before buying one, and above all train with this gun because your life might literally depend on it
Make sure it fits your hand. Then make your tactics fit the gun.
Superb vid Eric. You teach well. Thanks
I always recommend a revolver for first CCW for people especially those that are not going to practice and be proficient. Semi autos are complicated and the user needs to worry about the many different ways they could cause the gun to jam and many other things like clearing a jam. Ive been teaching that way since 1993 and I have yet to see a civilian gun fight that a reload is necessary, there may be some but they are few and far between.
This is a very good service provided. There is so much information, though, it seems most vids, from Hickok to Iraqveteran really talk a great deal. Easy to get lost. I’d suggest chapters with summation.
Not done with this video yet but will finish today. Wanted to say thank you very much for all the explanations. Wish you would work at my local gun shop. You are absolutely the benchmark for how guys should explain firearms to new folks.
I got a 380 sao pistol
Love that thing
Great video, would like to see more in this series. Maybe comparing carry guns in things like barrel length vs velocity and effect at ranges like 5 yards, 10 yards, 15, yards.
My first edc was a glock g23 gen 2. Carried it for years. Still have it of course but now use a glock 43 with a taran +3 extension.
My wife has serious racking issues and is much more comfortable with a revolver. I've tried the EZ and a tip up barrel to no avail. 43X works for me.
I got my mom a springfield xd9 sub and she struggled to rack it so I bought a leather loop charging handle for about $20 and now she can do it no problem. Worth looking into unless she would rather have a revolver regardless.
Great example of what works for each individual. My wife had shooting problems with j frame 38 in light loads. Picked up 380 EZ and now keeps asking to go $hoot. All about each persons preference. Be safe.
Golly, I still a relatively new gun owner, started about 1.5 years ago around the time everyone else did, at least recently. Picked up a FN509 tactical. Super cool gun, but it was so big! Difficult to carry with what I thought was a good holster. Then started learning about different holster systems and designs and after trying a few different types and a few different pistols, concealing the FN isn't that much more difficult than other smaller guns. Just need to find the proper holster system for you and get used to the feeling of having something on your waist band. That last one, to be honest, I'm still getting used to, but a good holster system definitely helps with comfort. Thanks for the content!
My first CCW was a Taurus G2C 9mm. At 10 yards I had a 7 on middle and 5 around it. The gun felt too light for me, I had a buddy that had a .40 S&W, so I asked him to try it and I got a 3 hits 2 misses, I then got a .45 1911 and got 5 out of 5 on middle. Figure out what works for you
Thank you for taking the time to help people understand fire arms. They are not magic they are machine tools for a specific use. I think it benefits people to see and learn how the gun works internally, and how to breakdown clean and assemble them. Arguably you need a gun in order to do that but great start.
My first ccw was and still is a ruger ec9s. I love this pistol, but i feel an upgrade coming soon.
Still have my original generation LC9 haha. I probably should upgrade but it was my first and i"ve had it for 5 years lol
@@randalthor6872 they're great guns, but I've always had that bug of investing in more firearms.
I bought a pa63 in 9mm makarov not long after the video you and chad did with it. That’s been my carry gun for years. I carry it itw, chambered round, safety off because of the stiff double action pull. Single action pull is nice and light.
Really enjoyed your presentation. Practical and realistic and truthful. Thank you
First CCW many many years ago was a CZ40P. While it has moved to a nightstand gun, still love it. Accurate, reliable and a unique history.
bought my first gun today actually, got a glock 17. Really looking forward to getting it. next probably going to get a S&W AR15
Consider getting a Ruger PC Carbine instead unless you’re buying the AR to hunt. The Ruger PC is an excellent home defense weapon and much cheaper to go to the range and shoot 100 rounds. And the PC is so much fun to shoot.
If you want a great entry level AR 15 that won't break the bank, go for a ruger 556 or Springfield Saint. Nothing wrong with the smith and Wesson, but what I have found is that many people who get the smith and Wesson end up wanting to upgrade it a bunch. So you might as well spend a couple hundred extra (if possible for your budget) and get something more ready to go out of the box.
I've been in to guns since I was a kid, was raised around them my whole life, but it is nice to get your take on things like this. My first carry gun was a Makarov, then a star BM, and after that I went down a rabbit hole of different carry pieces including striker fired, I thought I was so cool when I bought my first Glock haha. Great video as always Eric, look forward to the next video.
Would anyone else love to see a video showing off Eric’s and chads whole collections?
80F says yes
My FIRST CCW? Literally the only pistol I had at the time when I was 26. A sig 1911 nitron rail with a TLR1HL. I made the kydex holster myself. Got the hardware from the same vendor the holster companies get the material from. Still have it! My current carry is a G19 with an RMR and a light and a holster from north coast tactical though, much better option. Every once in a while I’ll grab the 1911 if it’s cold and I have a coat or sweater that can hide the print
“CCW”?! You mean carrying from the bedroom to the kitchen to the bathroom? LOL. In New Jersey, that’s the extent of CCW. God forbid you leave the house with a piece. 😱
Double single action semi autos are by far my favorite. I love having the ability to manipulate the hammer.
I choose based on where I'm going.... cutting grass? Glock 48, taking wife to dinner, staccato c2, Wal-Mart in FL. 10.5 " ar15 lol
You should carry whatever you can shoot the best. Be it a Hi-Point or HK. My first carry pistol was a PT-111 Taurus. That thing ran like a clock.
The Sig XL extended mag as a back up makes a super addition to the 365 as a carry
This video opened my eyes to a hobby and a collector which were previously unknown to me. Most enjoyable !!
If it was my first gun, I would want a da/sa 380 or something with a safety. The safety is so I can develop confidence to carry. The DA/SA is so I can figure out what I want from my pistol.
...or a CSX. You know what? Just give me a CSX.
I bought a small M&Pshield 9mm for CCW, active but big belly not easy for conceal still, Excellent gun, love it, thin, but snappy. My wife's Sig-p238 is the ultimate pocket rocket, small, cell pouch carry, in pocket wouldn't know it, smoothest pistol we have.. Sig-p238 And Funnest. High Quality..!
MY FIRST carry gun was a Colt 4" Nickle plated "Diamondback"
Wow, how did you do it?
My first handgun was a Ruger new model Blackhawk in 357 mag and that was over 40 years ago I have used a lot of other guns since then , my current carry gun is a 1911 in 45acp
You have good taste.
@@randomgamer-st1ie thanks
For me, untrained and new to guns, a 38 special seems best for my purposes. 5 or 6 rounds is twice what i need to make loud bangs and run away. No need to reload, as I'd be retreating further after each shot i take. Plus guns with a slide seem to have more variables and thus more chances for error or misfires, which, IMO, is the main thing an inexperienced and untrained person should be avoiding when buying their first gun.
Try a .357 magnum snubnose. You can practice with .38 spl, and carry .357 out of the same gun. Recoil aint that bad either.
@@randomgamer-st1ie great idea! Can all 357s shoot 38spl or do i have to look for specific ones?
@@cironicholas526 All can shoot both, but not the other way around.
@@cironicholas526 the price of some of the Smith & Wesson revolvers can be a little surprising, I recommend looking at the Taurus 605. It's half the price and built like a tank.
@@randomgamer-st1ie sweet, that was the exact model I've been considering
A correction to what Eric said striker fired guns first came out in the mid 1800s and have been in production since. For example the P08 Luger is a striker fired pistol that came out in 1908. Striker fired is not a newer technology and just because something is striker fired it does not mean that it is not double or single action. In fact you would be pretty hard pressed to find a pistol that is not double or single action regardless of whether or not it is striker fired. What is a newer technology is pistols with a polymer frame. The first of which was the double action only striker fired H&K VP70 which came out in 1970. However I will state that despite only having maybe two features that were innovative the advertising and the takedown method Glock made polymer frame striker fired pistols popular after they came out in 1983.
Having so many options makes it more difficult, highly recommend handling and shooting as many as possible
my first CCW was a ruger LCR .38 spl. I loved that it was super reliable, lightweight but still enough heft to solidly handle it and very compact - i would almost forget I had it sometimes when I was carrying it IWB. Moved to a Colt snub after a few years because as much as I like the ruger LCR, it was very difficult to reliably get a decent grouping with it at anything beyond 10 yards and I realized that in the heat of the moment if I've got adrenaline pumping and no time to think , it'd be too easy for me to fire off all five rounds and not hit a thing, whereas I could be near surgical with the Colt at 25 yards.
A Gun is a Gun. Especially when you need it.
Love the channel and great video. I'm not new to guns I own 2 pistols and 1 shotgun, however I'm glad I watched this video because I have a friend of mine who is new to the gun world and he has asked me to train him on the proper handling of firearms because he knows I'm an experienced gun owner and a Army veteran. I will encourage him to watch this video first because I believe he can learn quite a lot that will help him to make an informed/educated decision on purchasing a handgun if he chooses to do so. 👍👍